Week 25 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries

The changeable weather’s caused the fish to become a little reluctant to feed positively this week with days alternating between sunshine and cloud/rain. Wind speeds have been largely benign although one or two gusts have made drifting difficult at times.

Despite the conditions the rod average has remained respectable at 3.8 with a number of fish still falling to dry flies in open water, Daddies featuring large on the catch reports. We’ve also seen fish being picked up much deeper (8 - 15ft) to snakes and boobies although interestingly not much in between.

Floating lines remain the top choice, with washing lines as well as 12ft tips, Fast Glass and booby basher lines appearing strongly on catch cards.

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Week 24 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries

Top of water fishing remains consistently good with water temperatures 15°C at thirty five feet. With our max depth of 120ft we are increasingly confident this surface feeding activity will continue into the summer.

Ladybower is quite unique amongst UK reservoirs due to the conditions mentioned above.

Ever increasing numbers of anglers are booking boats although those that prefer the bank, float tube and kayak continue to enjoy high rod averages. Similar to last week weather fluctuations from sunny through to high winds and pretty heavy rain have made fishing a little unpredictable although the rainbows, as mentioned above, are in the upper reaches of the water maintaining excellent fishing.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 23 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries

Top of water fishing is consistently good , with water temperatures still only 15* at thirty five feet, with our max depth of 120ft we are confident this excellent surface feeding activity will continue into the summer.

We’re very pleased to offer first class top-of-the-water sport even in these warmer days. Ladybower is quite unique amongst UK reservoirs due to the conditions mentioned above.

Large numbers of anglers are booking boats and those that prefer the bank continue to enjoy high rod averages. Once again we’d like to thank all those who filled in their catch returns, helping us judge the correct number of fish to stock, where and when. This week gone has, similar to Week 22, seen weather fluctuations from sunny through to high winds and pretty heavy rain making fishing a little unpredictable although the fish as mentioned above remain in the upper reaches of the water maintaining excellent fishing.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 22 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries

Once again, we’re experiencing large numbers of anglers in boats and on the bank alike, from hardened veterans through to absolute beginners. We would like to thank all those who filled in their catch returns, a percentage that increases weekly, helping us judge the correct amount of fish to stock and when. This week gone has seen some weather fluctuations from fairly bright through to pretty heavy rain, often in a single day, making fishing a little unpredictable although the fish remain in the upper reaches of the water which thankfully has seen a stalwart increase in rod average over previous weeks. Boats have had the advantage over bank anglers again as the margins warm somewhat although we are now seeing some of the deeper drop offs well within casting distance giving a more optimistic outlook for those preferring to remain ashore. Foam Detached Body Daddies as well as a plethora of other large bushy dry flies appear in catch reports as the most popular choice of our anglers and remain the best fish takers.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 21 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries

After an incredibly busy weekend Monday started off warm and sunny again with a fair number of boats out and this number steadily increased to capacity throughout the week. The change to cooler, more cloudy conditions had the fish in the upper reaches of the water giving a steady catch return very similar to last week. Boats have once again had the advantage over bank anglers with fish still seeking cooler water giving a still respectable rod average of 4.7. CDCs, popper hoppers, the inevitable Foam Detached Body Daddies as well as a plethora of standard lures appear regularly in our catch reports and as we move towards what will hopefully be a restrained summer period we expect this to continue.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 20 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries

The week started off very cloudy with the resultant increase in catch rates before the sun and heat made a devastating appearance from Thursday onwards making conditions challenging. Boats have started to gain ascendancy over bank anglers as the fish seek cooler water giving a still respectable repeat rod average of 4.8 for the week with many fish still being caught on dries in the more sheltered areas, although as you’d expect, anglers are beginning to catch deeper with egg flies, blobs and shammies under the bung. Foam Daddies still figure large in our catch reports despite the bright conditions, and as we move towards a cooler period of time we expect this to continue.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 19 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries

A week of settled weather has seen Ladybower spring into life. The occasional shower and fresh breeze helped re-oxygenate the surface layers, and when conditions settled, the fish came on the feed in a big way.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 18 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries

A week of cooler temperatures and a few light showers has freshened things up across the reservoir. Fish are now feeding more confidently, often just subsurface, and the sport continues to pick up as a result.

Well over 19,700 rainbows stocked so far this season including a further 1,300 fish stocked on Friday. Plenty of action still to come as we move into the heart of the season.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 17 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
It’s been a week of extremes on the weather front — blazing sunshine early on followed by a blustery, wet weekend! As expected, the heat has slowed things slightly, but the sport's still been there for those who stayed mobile and adapted to the changing conditions.

Productive areas included the Dam, Grainfoot, Monument, Derwent Inlet, and Raspberry Bay, with fish found holding up high in the water — especially during those cooler, cloudier spells.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 16 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
Well, what a glorious week it turned out to be — calm, warm, and full of fish!

Interestingly, the trout don’t seem to mind the sunshine at all — in fact, sport has often improved on bright days this week.

Hotspots continue to be spread right across the reservoir, a testament to the excellent form Ladybower is holding. Whether you're at Grainfoot, Pickles, Raspberry Bay, or the Main Basin, you’re in with a real chance of action.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 15 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
Week 15 brought more settled weather than the previous week, giving anglers some excellent sport right across the reservoir. Recent showers helped oxygenate the surface layers, and the trout certainly responded!

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 14 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
Half term brought fewer rods on the water as families headed elsewhere – and the wind didn’t make things any easier! That said, those who did brave it were rewarded with some brilliant sport and a strong rod average of 4.8. Both boat and bank anglers found success, especially in the more sheltered spots, with many fish still being tempted up top on dries.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 13 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
The weather’s taken a turn this week with a stiff breeze and patchy rain making conditions on the water a little more challenging. If you're heading out on a boat, bringing a drogue is strongly advised—it’ll make life a lot easier!

Despite the blustery conditions over the weekend, the rod average has held strong at 7.5, with a huge number of fish still falling to dry flies in open water. Daddies, black gnats, parachutes, Klinkhammers and foam-headed suspender buzzers have all done well. And for the lure and nymph fans—yes, you’re still in business too! Picking a standout method remains a tough call… but that’s not a bad problem to have.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 12 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
What began as a warm week quickly turned into a heatwave, raising concerns that high temperatures and blazing sun might hamper the fishing. Thankfully, the fish didn’t get the memo. Despite bright skies, dry flies and subsurface nymphs proved irresistible, helping anglers notch up a cracking rod average of 8.27. The fish are clearly looking up — and possibly wearing shades.
Large numbers of fish continue to be caught in open water, with Klinkhammers, black gnats, and buzzers doing the heavy lifting. These flies imitate the hatch and fall of insects perfectly, and they’re working brilliantly — so ignore the sun and fish high!. Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 11 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
Despite the relentless warm weather, dry fly sport remains phenomenal with a boosted rod average of 8.7. Open water continues to come alive, with trout feeding hard on heather beetles, buzzers, and aphids across the surface—especially in calmer pockets of water.

From floating lines to fast intermediates, success has come just inches beneath the surface. Lunchtimes onward have delivered exceptional dry fly action, whether you're fishing from the bank, boat, or float tube.Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 10 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
The recent spell of warm weather has marked a shift in conditions, with large numbers of fish moving out into open water. Heather beetle, buzzers and aphids have been carpeting the surface in many areas, drawing trout to the top and making for some fantastic dry fly sport.

Floating lines have really come into their own, with most fish being taken in the top few inches of water. Afternoons in particular have seen excellent action on dry flies.

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 9 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
Warmer weather this week has brought an explosion of buzzer hatches and plenty of small beetle falls. More and more fish are rising in open water, moving around the reservoir in big pods. It's an exciting time to be out on the water!

With even warmer days ahead, we’re expecting dry fly fishing to really kick off — get ready!

Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 8 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
It’s been a week of blustery easterlies up at Ladybower, but the buzzer hatches have remained strong and consistent—especially on Monday and Thursday, where rod averages topped 17!
Buzzer tactics are definitely the name of the game right now, particularly on tip lines. A huge shoutout to Mr. Cartamail from Middlesbrough who landed a stunning fish estimated at 15lb on a size 12 Diawl Bach on Saturday, part of a haul of over 40 fish—all on buzzers.Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 7 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
Ladybower Delivers Despite Tricky Takes & Surface Snackers. It’s been another cracking week on the water, even though the fish have been testing our patience at times! Early mornings started like a mill pond – calm and glassy – but as the wind picked up, so did the action. Many anglers mentioned fish bumping off or nipping at fly tails without fully committing – a sure sign they’re getting picky with so many free beetles on the water. Some success came from slow or static drifts, with fish taking just under the surface.
Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 6 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
It’s been a tricky week to start with those nasty easterlies keeping things tough out on the water... but once the wind eased off on Friday, the fishing came alive!
Saturday saw 27 anglers land a whopping number of fish, giving us a fantastic rod average of 9 fish per angler – what a day!
Derwent Arm continues to fish incredibly well with double-figure bags on diawls and epoxy buzzers.
Snake Arm is also turning up big numbers, with several boats reporting 30+ trout.
Shout out to Ian and Liam Gaskill, who boated over 40 fish between them on Saturday!
Overwintered fish are rising all over the basin – they’re a bit finicky, but they’re there if you can crack the code!
Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 5 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
With the warmer weather settling in, daily Buzzer hatches are bringing some fantastic action, especially in the shallows at the top of both arms. Small flies fished slowly have been producing excellent catches!
Many boats have been hitting 40+ fish, with most coming from around the 6ft depth. Sinking lines with boobies have proven particularly effective.
Now for the all-important stats! A huge effort from all anglers—whether seasoned match competitors, casual pleasure fishers, or first-timers under the guidance of our instructors—has led to a superb rod average of 8.0!Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 4 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
Sport remained excellent throughout the week, with strong performances across multiple locations. Raspberry Bay and Underbank in the Snake Arm produced great catches, while Derwent, Millbrook, Grainfoot, and Pickles offered consistent action from both bank and boat. The Ashopton Road side and Surgeons also proved productive.
Weather conditions were generally warm and sunny, though a cooler, wetter spell on Saturday provided a slight shift in activity.
Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 3 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
Cold nights made for slow starts this week, with trout staying deep until after lunch. But once the afternoon sun hit, the action was spectacular! Many anglers—whether on the bank, in a float tube, or by boat—reported catches of 20+ fish, with some impressive specimens showing up.
Discover premium fishing tackle and equipment at SKB Fishing Gear. Shop quality rods, reels, flies, and accessories for all anglers visit: https://skbfish.co.uk/

Week 2 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
After an incredible start to the season, Week 2 at Ladybower Fisheries was even better! A total of 768 fish were recorded, with the biggest rainbow trout weighing in at 6.14lb.

Week 1 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
What an Incredible Start to the 2025 Fly Fishing Season at Ladybower!
Yesterday was one for the books—perfect weather, a fantastic turnout, and some amazing catches! Anglers of all generations joined us, fishing from both the bank and by boat, kicking off the season in style.